Car advice (Read 110126 times)

slackline · July 13, 2015, 04:33:27 pm

Quote from: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 04:31:41 pm

Quote from: Paul B on July 13, 2015, 04:22:14 pm
No minimum performance stats? You were looking at a vRS?

You didn't specify it in your list

Yes he did...

Quote from: Paul B on July 13, 2015, 04:17:19 pm

etc.

https://www.google.com/search?q=define+etc

tomtom · July 13, 2015, 04:35:41 pm

Plenty of independent Saab dealers about - and they continue to make the spares.

A3 will have the 7 speed auto gearbox I mentioned.. MrsTT's folks have one.. 59 plate..

Do you HAVE to have an Auto? It rules out most of the VAG (skoda/seat/Audi/vw) range...

Fiend · July 13, 2015, 04:41:44 pm

Well done slackbot you have outdone yourself there

TT what is the problem with the gearbox? I've googled but apart from "some people have had problems" and "transmission fluid needs changed" I can't draw a clear conclusion.

It doesn't have to be an auto, but it is definitely a personal preference, because I've found it a damn sight nicer in normal UK driving conditions (motorway / gridlock / motorway+gridlock).

tomtom · July 13, 2015, 04:45:02 pm

Just what I've read on Mk6 golf forums - some problems with them and high servicing costs... Quite a bit more complex than your old fashioned style auto..

tomtom · July 13, 2015, 04:53:03 pm

It's called a DSG gearbox. Google vw DSG problems and make up your own mind. Several recalls - big change in he design in 2008 - I'm sure there are plenty of happy satisfied users - but a lot of problems too. Think the same box is called the i tronic on Audis.

Your age car would be well outside of manufacturers warrantee too - so you'd have to be 100% that all the updates/changes had been done. I dunno - might be ok if you did less miles and were after a newer model but I'd avoid myself.. Clever double clutch technology also = lots to go wrong!

chris j · July 13, 2015, 05:20:37 pm

Think it's called the S-tronic for Audi (older R-tronic was non DSG). From my reading up the dry clutch DSG fitted to smaller engines (1.6 diesel and below) is the unreliable one, the wet clutch 6 and 7 speeds fitted to larger/more powerful engines are more reliable. Big bills if they break out of warranty. I tried one (in an Octavia) on a test drive once, didn't like it at slow speed around town as it was slow to pick up from rest and liked to bunny hop, but on the open road it was much better. VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, all much the same mechanicals underneath so take your pick based on your preference in plastic softness.

After a look on Autotrader and specifying auto does take out 80% of the market. If you take out BMW and Audi then the best option I could see is a smaller version of what you've got... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201504162656771?sort=pricedesc&channel=cars&transmission=automatic&search-target=usedcars&zero-to-60=fast&price-to=6000&fuel-consumption=medium&maximum-mileage=up_to_100000_miles&radius=1500&page=2&price-from=0&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&minimum-seats=2&logcode=p

Fiend · July 13, 2015, 05:25:27 pm

Hmmm that's not too shabby actually, although as per mid-2k10 Volvos the central console seems a fiddly nightmare and I'd probably crash trying to turn the demister on...

The auto I've had in the V70 has been great, well apart from dying as soon as I moved to Glasgow on about 120k, the replacement salvaged auto was great since then, no lag and smooth changes.

If VAG autos are the problem then that might narrow it down to 1 series.... $:-\$

sxrxg · July 13, 2015, 05:34:49 pm

Volvo C30 2.4 D5 R Design Sport might be another option? 2.4 automatic, < 8 secs 0-60, 40+mpg, 180ish bhp. Seems to fit all the requirements.

tomtom · July 13, 2015, 05:46:55 pm

Quote from: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 05:25:27 pm

Hmmm that's not too shabby actually, although as per mid-2k10 Volvos the central console seems a fiddly nightmare and I'd probably crash trying to turn the demister on...

The auto I've had in the V70 has been great, well apart from dying as soon as I moved to Glasgow on about 120k, the replacement salvaged auto was great since then, no lag and smooth changes.

If VAG autos are the problem then that might narrow it down to 1 series.... $:-\$

I've a V40 with a similar 'floating' centre console and it's fine. Took 5 min to get used to it.

Besides its a Volvo, so if you do crash fiddling with the de mister you'll be fine.

andyd · July 13, 2015, 05:59:04 pm

Buy a 1 series if you want to drive around thinking you're a rally car driver. If you want some comfort and reasonably priced extras then I'd avoid them. Winter tyres help but take up space to store all year. Not all places have the machine to for run flat tyres so your local guy may not be able to help meaning a trip to kwikfit,or worse,a bimmer dealership.

Fiend · July 13, 2015, 06:13:59 pm

Sorry I did read that and take it on board before.

I think I am probably more confused than ever now

Edit: C30 nice suggestion but 3dr would seriously get on my tits.

Johnny Brown · July 13, 2015, 06:50:15 pm

After destroying 3 BMW clutches in a row ( grudgingly replaced under warranty) my Dad switched to Audi automatics and now evangelises about them at every opportunity. Something to do with torque converters apparently. If you don't have a boat or plane to tow about this may not be relevant.

Paul B · July 13, 2015, 07:10:27 pm

Quote from: sxrxg on July 13, 2015, 05:34:49 pm

Volvo C30 2.4 D5 R Design Sport might be another option? 2.4 automatic, < 8 secs 0-60, 40+mpg, 180ish bhp. Seems to fit all the requirements.

I've looked at these, the actual boot opening itself doesn't look very pad friendly? Also the performance vs, economy stats looked worse than other manufacturers (i.e. you lose a lot more MPG for gaining a bit of 0-60).

webbo · July 13, 2015, 07:27:22 pm

We have a v50 and an s40 one an 05 plate the other an 08 both from new. We could have a bought another v50 the amount it has cost us in repairs to them both.
Despite this the missus has gone for a v40 as her new company car and I reckon it will be difficult to get a pad of reasonable size in the boot/ hatch back space.

Fiend · July 13, 2015, 08:38:16 pm

C30 looks as if you'd have better luck getting a pad through the door window....

sxrxg · July 13, 2015, 10:22:28 pm

If you are prepared to entertain a petrol rather than diesel then a seat Leon fr or vw golf gt/gti with the tsi engines could be a good option? Don't quite hit the 40mpg with official figures of around 35mpg, the fuel is a couple of pence cheaper per litre though...

Bubba · July 13, 2015, 10:29:08 pm

Quote from: andyd on July 13, 2015, 05:59:04 pm

Not all places have the machine to for run flat tyres so your local guy may not be able to help meaning a trip to kwikfit,or worse,a bimmer dealership.

First thing to do with a Bimmer is ditch the runflats.

Jim · July 14, 2015, 10:48:46 am

Quote from: Johnny Brown on July 13, 2015, 06:50:15 pm

If you don't have a boat or plane to tow about this may not be relevant.

Think that probably voids the warranty

Fiend · July 14, 2015, 01:24:48 pm

Okay so depending on various perspectives...

I should either get an Audi or not get an Audi.
Or either get a BMW or not get a BMW.
Or get a V50 or not get a V50.

chris j · July 14, 2015, 01:39:58 pm

If you're doing motorway miles, get the one with the comfiest seats.

tomtom · July 14, 2015, 02:04:33 pm

Quote from: chris j on July 14, 2015, 01:39:58 pm

If you're doing motorway miles, get the one with the comfiest seats.

Volvo.

I've (2 weeks ago) recently moved from a Mk6 Golf to a Volvo V40 - and ALL my lower back pain has gone. I do about 500 miles a week. Comfiest car I've ever owned.

I am now one of those smug c*nts in a Volvo. Anyway, enough of this chatter, I'm off to count my airbags...

webbo · July 14, 2015, 03:11:36 pm

Just wait till your back goes and because its so low they have to cut the roof off and use a crane to get you out. But remember I did warn you.

Fiend · July 14, 2015, 09:59:34 pm

webbo, what issues have you had with the V50?

SA Chris · July 15, 2015, 08:09:44 am

Quote from: webbo on July 14, 2015, 03:11:36 pm

Just wait till your back goes and because its so low they have to cut the roof off and use a crane to get you out. But remember I did warn you.

sunroof sounds like a win.

webbo · July 15, 2015, 08:15:42 am

We had the 2 litre turbo diesel, great car to drive and as Tom says comfy. But it seemed every time it went in for a service there was a repair needed. Such as springs, steering, the air con went as was going to cost hundreds to fix, clutch and recently the rear discs needed replacing. It's just gone to auction via the dealer as the missus has just been given a v40 as a company car, her boss is a mate of the guy who is the Volvo dealer. Which is why we went for Volvos, we got reasonable deals on the cars and servicing.
It had 160,000 miles.
We also have a s40 r design, which has a it's engine more or less replaced. This was going to cost thousands however this was much reduced as I suspect the problem was a design issue and that's why they don't make these models anymore.
I just remembered with the v50 there were issues with rear strings/axel which again I suspect is a design issue.
This might be a bit rambling but cars for me are something I throw my bike/pads in occasionally remembering to put some fuel in and just get me from A to B. I tend to just turn the music up if I hear a strange noise.